Questions tagged [legal]

Concerning laws concerning bicycling, and their enforcement.

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7 votes
1 answer
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What course of action is most prudent to prevent/delay a bike theft?

I've just witnessed a bike theft, and in hindsight I handled it very badly. (What exactly happened: I met a friend on the street, we were talking, then he noticed a pair of *ahem* gentlemen ...
leftaroundabout's user avatar
-2 votes
1 answer
101 views

What are examples of low- or no-cost laws that favor cyclists? What U.S. state has implemented the most laws?

There are a lot of parts of bicycle advocacy that cost money. Bikeways. Separated traffic signals. Parking facilities. I'm not here to talk about any of those. I'm thinking more today about state ...
Mayor of the Plattenbaus's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
258 views

Crosswalk on a bicycle lane (DE)

I know, in Germany I have to give way on a normal crosswalk while riding my bike and only pedestrians have the right of way on it. But does this also apply for a bicycle lane on a sidewalk, which is ...
damerste's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
208 views

Best way to mount a bicycle on a car to minimize interaction with police?

Here is my bicycle mounted on my car, license plate is obscured I am driving like these occasionally here in Orlando, no problems with the cops at all. Now I am planning to do a road trip through ...
yigal's user avatar
  • 289
21 votes
5 answers
4k views

What should I do with stop lights which don't detect my bike? [Ontario]

I'm wondering what the law in Ontario allows me to do here if I want to turn left, what I typically do is use the pedestrian crossing and get back on my bike once I am across. I saw this question, but ...
unbeatable101's user avatar
6 votes
5 answers
1k views

Passing parked cars with oncoming traffic - UK Highway Code

This is a tricky one and a problem I suspect others encounter, but I can't find a definitive answer so... On my cycle (in the UK), I have a few streets which are narrow with parked cars on the left (...
F1Linux's user avatar
  • 2,203
32 votes
5 answers
6k views

Can Cycle Camera Evidence be Used by Police to Enforce Dangerous Motorists?

The (UK) Highway Code dictating that motorists should pass a cyclist no closer than 1.5 meters is only useful to protect us if it can be enforced. Indeed, it's hardly the odd occurrence that I'm close-...
F1Linux's user avatar
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8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Riding on the shoulder of a road with a "do not drive on shoulder" sign

Can I ride my bicycle on the shoulder of a road that has a "do not drive on shoulder" sign in Texas? Below is an example of this configuration. By far, the shoulder seems like the safest ...
undercat's user avatar
  • 183
17 votes
6 answers
7k views

Legality and morality around wearing a red / blue flashing light on a bicycle in the UK?

I recently bought a red and blue flashing light to wear on my helmet when I cycle into work in London. I abide by road rules, cycle safely, never cycle on footpaths, obey stop signs and traffic lights ...
PyRsquared's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
2k views

Legal requirement for tire tread pattern in Germany

I heard a rumor that there is a legal requirement for bicycles in Germany to have treaded tires. I found this quite surprising and took a look at the regulations: StVZO §36 (3) requires treaded tires ...
Erlkoenig's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
352 views

Idaho Stop: Should I stop at a stop sign when an oncoming vehicle has a stop sign too?

In an "Idaho Stop" context, what is the best thing to do for a cyclist approaching a 4-way stop at the same time as a vehicle approaching from another direction? Should the cyclist Proceed ...
asp47's user avatar
  • 151
5 votes
1 answer
294 views

Any countries where there's a general speed limit for bicycles?

This not about e-bikes/e-bicycles or e-scooters, it's about the conventional human powered 2/3 wheeled vehicles, about the plain old bicycle. I would like to know which countries (Europe mostly) have ...
alwaysask's user avatar
  • 151
-1 votes
1 answer
419 views

Is it illegal to cycle with one brake? [closed]

After refurbishing my mountain bicycle I have discovered I need a new cable for my rear brake. My front brake works perfectly fine and that is the only one I use. I will be getting the rear brake ...
Charlie's user avatar
27 votes
2 answers
7k views

Are Penny-Farthings Legal to Ride on Public Roads (UK)

Are Penny-Farthings legal to ride on public roads in the UK? Note: For laws regarding riding Penny-Farthings on public roads in other countries-ie "US" or "EU"- please start a new ...
F1Linux's user avatar
  • 2,203
3 votes
5 answers
2k views

What are the hazards and risks if I keep using a worn rear tyre?

I found similar questions: What are the risks of fenders/mudguards? What are the risks of untrued wheels? But I haven't found a structured analysis on the subject of tyres. Stack exchange ...
pateksan's user avatar
  • 2,294
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Can I use reflective tape instead of a rear reflector in the UK?

My road bike isn't fitted with a rear reflector as I got it second hand and I think they removed it. If I purchased some red reflective tape and fitted it around the seatpost/seatstay, would this make ...
Noah P's user avatar
  • 137
3 votes
0 answers
2k views

Color conventions for side (wheel) reflectors (yellow and white)

Spoke reflectors, as far as I know, often come in two colors: yellow and white. Is there a convention as to which one should go on the back wheel and which one should go on the front wheel? For ...
Clément's user avatar
  • 231
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

In the UK, is there any (legal or similar) limit on bike+trailer length?

With a couple of miles of quiet lanes, and around 10 miles of fairly straight bike path that takes me right to a river I'd like to go kayaking in. I've got a trailer that my daughter is too tall for ...
Chris H's user avatar
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2 votes
3 answers
1k views

E-bike speed limit in Ontario, Canada

In Ontario, Canada, may I pedal my e-bike up to the road's posted speed limit without motor assistance? Like if my bike does 31 mph but the speed limit is higher, can I travel to that speed without ...
Jordan Kilgannon's user avatar
13 votes
2 answers
564 views

Are there mandatory bike paths in Netherlands?

Doing a trip in Europe. I know in UK the bike paths are optional. You can ride on them or you can ride on the road, whatever feels better for you. Somebody told me that in Netherlands most bike paths ...
Claudiu Creanga's user avatar
22 votes
6 answers
8k views

Should unconventional colors be avoided for lighting?

Red/amber lights in the rear of the vehicle, white lights, in front of it: that is the good old convention and certainly switching their places is a bad idea. A quick search, however, shows other ...
user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
371 views

Is it legal for a car to overtake me as I overtake a parked car in UK?

The road has one lane. There is a parked car on the side. I overtake it and position myself in the middle of the road because no car is coming from the front. Often enough, at the same time I get ...
Claudiu Creanga's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
3k views

Is using hand signals a legal requirement in the UK?

I am just starting to cycle on the road and I'm wondering if cyclists are legally required to use hand signals or if they are optional (i.e. recommended but you won't get into trouble if you don't use ...
micheal65536's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
341 views

Laws against electric assist bicycle with energy recovery? [closed]

Is an electric bike like this required any special license. The power applied comes from the collected kinetic inertia from going down hill or stored from the rider then the stored power can then be ...
Muze's user avatar
  • 1
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

Is it legal for cyclists to use amber bike flashers for visibility (in BC, Canada)?

Amber bike lights can improve daytime visibility. This makes sense because white light looks similar to sunlight and amber light stands out more clearly. Being seen sooner means that drivers have more ...
Brian's user avatar
  • 1,043
8 votes
2 answers
403 views

Can I ride side by side with another cyclist in Switzerland?

When I ride on the road with someone (in the country), I try to ride on his side, and then when a car comes, I pull back in. This way, we can talk and have more fun during the trip. Sometimes, I don'...
Akah's user avatar
  • 183
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

Who has the right of way crossing a shared pedestrian crosswalk / bike path? (USA)

I pass this intersection (and others like it) at least twice per day on my way to work and I'm still a little unsure who should stop for whom. The little yellow star indicates the "bike path", which ...
speedfranklin's user avatar
2 votes
4 answers
705 views

Riding my bike on empty pavement when the road is busy UK [duplicate]

I often find myself in the situation that I'm riding my bike on the road, holding up several cars whom I can tell are getting impatient (there are oncoming cars so its hard to overtake safely). A lot ...
mrnovice's user avatar
  • 243
37 votes
3 answers
5k views

Threatening swerving by driver - should I report it? (Canada)

I'm curious to get some opinions on this from other cyclists. FYI this event took place in Ottawa, Canada. On my work commute, there are about 3 blocks where I ride in the lane with cars because ...
SSilk's user avatar
  • 4,119
4 votes
1 answer
721 views

How cities came to decision to allow bicycles and/or motorcycles to enter bus lanes?

Some cities debate about letting 2-wheel wehicles (bicycles or motorcycles) enter bus lanes. Why should (or not) we let them enter? When it is ok to let them use bus lanes? What factors should be ...
krzyski's user avatar
  • 2,711
11 votes
4 answers
2k views

Right of way for a raised crossing?

The new Cycle Superhighway 3 goes through Hyde Park, London,UK on West Carriage Drive. It contains a number of points at which pedestrians are evidently intended to cross, as the roadway and cycleway ...
private101's user avatar
11 votes
8 answers
2k views

What are your country's rules or regulations for the colors of reflectors or lights?

Many countries have rules or regulations that specify what color your lights (headlights or rear lights) or reflectors must be. What are they? In your answer, please note the country (and state, if ...
11 votes
1 answer
457 views

How to talk to authorities to convince them to bicycle initiatives?

Since at least 1998 in unkempt, secluded place in Warsaw, PL, there was an unofficial downhill track. Between the bushes some youngsters constructen on their own ramps etc. Between september/october ...
krzyski's user avatar
  • 2,711
46 votes
7 answers
22k views

Why are license plates for bicycles no longer used?

Bicycle license plates were quite common in many countries before, during, and, depending on the region, also after WWII. In Poland, for instance, it was obligatory until the late 60s. I've found that ...
krzyski's user avatar
  • 2,711
-1 votes
5 answers
466 views

What are the possible practical consequences of breaking the rules of the road?

I was reading this question which seemed a totally weird thing to worry about and sparked my question. I've always disregarded stop signs, lights, crossings and waving policemen as basically ...
Kilisi's user avatar
  • 1,658
5 votes
1 answer
230 views

Is it OK to use pedestrian phase of pedestrian crossing to join/leave the carriageway? (UK)

If the start of my journey is on a busy road, and there is a pedestrian crossing nearby, I often take advantage of the pedestrian phase of the crossing by mounting the bike, joining the carriageway ...
MattBecker82's user avatar
6 votes
5 answers
8k views

Pavement riding in Scotland

I've just moved to Edinburgh, and I understand that the land reform act 2003 lets me cycle on most land, excluding certain places like some highways or ministry of defense land. Does this mean I'm ...
Nic's user avatar
  • 376
0 votes
0 answers
57 views

Dealing with cars harassing cyclists in the US [duplicate]

Tonight as my partner was out riding a car swerved over to the fog line as it passed and laid on the horn before speeding off. While most of the driver around here are extremely courteous something ...
dlu's user avatar
  • 7,046
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

E Bike speeding (>32km/hr) Penalty?

In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, what is the penalty for riding an electric assist bike thatsurpasses 32 kilometres per hour on flat terrain? Also, what is the penalty for an e bike that surpasses the 500 ...
Jake's user avatar
  • 265
25 votes
2 answers
4k views

How should I handle a highway patrolman who stops me occasionally to give incorrect instructions about my riding duties?

I live near a minor Tennessee town and frequently ride the few miles into town and back on state highways. Part of the route (the less busy part, ironically) has a dedicated bike lane, but it's filled ...
Nathan Tuggy's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
211 views

Nearly getting hit by reckless vehicles. What can be done? [duplicate]

Today I nearly got hit by a driver not paying attention: I was stopped, waiting to turn right. She was turning right off the road. She did not indicate. It was a quiet residential area, daylight. ...
zino's user avatar
  • 151
8 votes
1 answer
4k views

How to (safely) navigate a four-way stop

What's the safest way to navigate a four-way stop on a bicycle? I've found that some cars will ignore me, others will wave me through, and still others will just treat me as any other vehicle on the ...
Gavin S. Yancey's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
3k views

Cycle law: definition of Dismounting

Some area requires you to dismount your bicycle. So what is the exact definition of dismounting your bicycle? Can you just simply dismount from your bike seat, but keep one foot on the pedal to ...
Nhân Lê's user avatar
  • 3,531
1 vote
2 answers
3k views

What is the difference between a sidewalk and a mixed use path?

First off, I am normally the type to take a lane on my normal bike. However, I commute by train, and can only take a small folding bike with me. And on that thing, I am pretty slow (that also helps ...
cylus's user avatar
  • 113
3 votes
1 answer
687 views

Why does the Uniform Vehicle Code take away a cyclist's right to use most of the roadway? [closed]

Why does the Uniform Vehicle Code take away a cyclist's right to use most of the roadway, restricting him or her to the far right? Considering (1) the numerous exceptions to the 'keep far right' law,...
user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
175 views

Velomobiles and UK Window Tinting Laws?

Are Velomobiles exempt from UK Window Tinting laws ? I know they are Exempt from speed limits, as speed limits only apply to Motor Vehicles. Is it the same with the Window tinting laws ?
Tony's user avatar
  • 31
12 votes
6 answers
6k views

Biking against traffic on a one-way streets in Europe

My recent experience with new Google Maps shows that it constantly leads me against traffic on a one-way streets in Europe in general and in Poland (where I live) in particular. Are there any laws or ...
trejder's user avatar
  • 544
11 votes
3 answers
2k views

Is a car "perfectly entitled" to turn left around cyclist

(I'm in the UK so we drive on the left) This morning a driver pulled up alongside me (to my right) at a junction. As soon as a gap came available, I pulled out to turn left and he did the same, ...
RobEarl's user avatar
  • 273
16 votes
4 answers
978 views

What is the best way to approach train tracks?

I commute on my bike through an industrial area and cross many train tracks. They very in degrees: most are perpendicular to the road, but some have a very low angle. This question is two part: What ...
Trevor's user avatar
  • 636
2 votes
2 answers
604 views

Cycling too Fast [closed]

Update: I'm not really looking for any legal advice here, more looking for pointers to articles or whatever covering these topics. Last year I was involved in a road crash whilst riding to work (...
Skizz's user avatar
  • 295